OPEC+ Output Hike and Trade Frictions Send Oil Prices Tumbling

Light crude oil futures posted steep losses this week, with prices sliding over 5% to settle near $63.85. The sharp selloff was fueled by a wave of bearish fundamental developments—including an OPEC+ supply boost, escalating trade disputes, softer U.S. crude exports, and uncertainty surrounding Russian energy sanctions. Each factor contributed to a deteriorating sentiment across the energy complex, driving futures to their lowest levels in nearly two months. The weekly slide was compounded by a steady flow of bearish news rather than a single…